World View: Focus on UAE
October 03, 2008
Training programs need to be tailored to the diverse ethnic makeup and predominance of Islam in the region.
By Kimberly Blanchard-Cattarossi and Sonya Kaleel
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considered a modern-day miracle, where superhighways have replaced desert routes and luxury hotels have been built over sand dunes. Residents of the Arab Gulf country are 50 percent South Asians; 23 percent Sub-continent Arabs (e.g., Lebanese, Palestinian, Syrian) and Iranians; 19 percent Emirati; and 8 percent Westerners and East Asians, making it one of the most diverse populations in the region. The UAE tradition of cultural diversity dates back to 3000 B.C.
Currently ranked No. 7 worldwide in annual GDP per capita, according to The World Factbook, CIA, 2007 est., the oil-rich nation continues to diversify its economy, with more than 60 percent of GDP coming from non-oil and non-gas output. Along with the economy, the need for training is growing in the UAE. Compared to the training market five to 10 years ago, many more UAE-based companies now see value in learning and development programs. Furthermore, many employees in the UAE view training as a valuable benefit that creates opportunities for career growth.
Training programs need to be tailored to the diverse makeup of the team, with several considerations for those of Muslim faith, since 96 percent of the population practices Islam.
Pre-Training Considerations
• The official business language is English. However, due to the mix of nationalities, there may be some cases where delivering in the native language of the participants is preferred (e.g., Urdu for Pakistani trainees).
• Accommodate prayer times for Muslim participants. It is not necessary to adjust the training schedule or draw attention to it, as prayer is a personal choice. For best results, factor in at least two 15-minute prayer breaks if the training is held between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Most people working in the UAE come from group-oriented societies and often like to work in small groups, discussing and comparing ideas. Roles plays and cases studies work well to demonstrate practical examples of what is being taught. However, be careful to avoid any activity that would place members of the opposite gender in uncomfortable situations with each other (e.g., standing close or touching).
Training Day Tips
• Participants may come from cultures where there are sensitivities regarding gender interactions. For example, when a non-Muslim foreigner is greeting a Muslim of the opposite gender, it is best not to initiate a handshake. Follow the lead of the person you are greeting. If you are not sure what is appropriate, a simple nod of the head and your hand on your heart will work.
• Establish protocol around use of electronics during training. It is common in the UAE to interrupt meetings to answer mobile phones. Also, point out the location of the prayer room. If training is at an offsite location, be sure there is a place to pray.
• Realize that people in the UAE operate on a more elastic time frame than in the West. A facilitator will need to balance being firm and flexible with training start and end times.
• Trainees in the UAE value certificates of achievement and typically will hang them up in their workspace.
Kimberly Blanchard-Cattarossi is regional training director, EMEA, for Aperian Global (www.aperianglobal.com). Sonya Kaleel is senior consultant for Aperian Global based in Chicago. She is a specialist on the Middle East, where she previously lived and designed and delivered training programs for local companies.
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